Approved Minutes — original pdf

Approved Minutes

COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 18, 2025 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, June 18, 2025, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Commissioner Bryce Laake-Stanfield called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:30pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Armando Gonzales Bryce Laake-Stanfield Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Anita Carmichael Roberts Jose Reyes Michael Mcinerney Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Commissioners Absent: Maria Brown-Spence Amber Schleuning Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Equity and Inclusion PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 5/21/2025 were approved on Commissioner Bryce Laake-Stanfield motion, second by Armando Gonzales on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence and Amber Schleuning were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Sheila Joseph of Front Steps and her team delivered a detailed presentation on Phase One of “A Step Up Community,” an innovative housing development aimed at supporting unhoused veterans, about 80-85% of homes will be designated for veterans, approximately 18.9 acres were purchased. The initiative envisions a self-sustaining, service-oriented micro-community outside Austin city limits, in Mustang Ridge, Travis County. A total of 120 homes plan to be built. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. The commission discussed and voted on the Veterans Affairs annual report with amendments to include a section on mental health on motion by Chair Michael Mcinerney second by Commissioner Byce Laake-Stanfield on a 7-0 vote. 4. Continued discussion on drafting a letter of support for HR 1282 Major Richard Star Act. This bill would allow medically retired veterans with combat-related injuries to receive full retirement pay in addition to VA disability compensation, ending longstanding financial offsets. The commission also seeks support from the JIC and City Council. Motion by Chair Michael Mcinerney to draft a letter of support second by Christopher Wilson on a 7-0 vote. 5. Commissioner Bryce Laake-Stanfield discussed how the JIC proposes to establish social media capability. Commissioner Reyes also discussed the possibility of disseminating information through their individual council member’s social media. The commission agreed to continue discussion at the July meeting in the interest of time. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. Continue discussion to address how to disseminate veteran’s information through social media. Also recap and discussion on feedback between commissioners and their council members to include budget recommendations and proposals. ADJOURNMENT END: 9:00 PM 7. Commissioner Bryce Laake-Stanfield made the motion to adjourn, Armando Gonzales second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence and Amber Schleuning were absent. The minutes were approved at the 16 July 2025 meeting on Commissioner’s Bryce Laake-Stanfield’s motion, Jose Reyes second on a 6-0 vote, Maria Brown-Spence and William Dahlstrom were absent.